Write Better Books – Storytelling: Filtered or Unfiltered?

You get a note from a critique partner or editor friend that says, “Cut this filter.”

And you are like, Huh? What?

What’s a filter?

Filters are stuff you write that takes us out of the Main Character’s head for a nanosecond. Usually they aren’t needed. You don’t say to yourself, “I notice it’s raining.” It just rains.

EXAMPLE:

When I came out of the store, I noticed it was raining.

OR

When I came out of the store, the rain was coming down in sheets.

“I noticed” is the filter. We – the readers – are “I.” We notice whatever the MC notices, feels what she feels, etc. Saying I noticed in a story is like narrating to yourself in real life. Vagrants on New York City street corners do that, not your character.

I saw

I felt

I noticed

Your story is more reader-centric and…

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Published by Woebegone but Hopeful

I have been writing for 30+ years and until I started taking seriously all the advice and support from Word Press had badly written and self-published a fantasy trilogy with nothing to show for it, except for a mention on Amazon.
That was all written back in July(ish) 2015 when I was in one of comedic/ironic phases. Since coming under the more maturing, positive, adventurous and productive influences of the Wordpress Community I have tried to work outside of that bubble.
Since that hapless daze I have published through Amazon Kindle 'A True History of The Isles' ' (a history of the Isles Ireland, Scotland Wales & England) Vol I & II which is less than serious and 'Of Patchwork Warriors' first volume of a multi-volume Fantasy. All three has sold copies. This is far beyond my dreams.
After these few years I have decided to separate my 'bolggings' heroicallybad will continue to be dealing with writing in all its manifold facets. I will continue to support folk in their own efforts.
My intention is to write until I am summoned from this World Physical, while I am still physically on the planet I will encourage others to write. Not subscribing to any sort of publishing conventions my advice on that subject is not the best.
Well into my 60s I've hit my writing stride!
However as I am something of a ranter and given to polemics there is another blog Raging from the Lectern, this is ferocious and I don't care who I upset, the world is growing tight on resources and space, we have no room for idiots of any sort, they are my target. No apologies!
View all posts by Woebegone but Hopeful

Unless an observation is germaine to the immediate aspect of the story it should be deleted, that simple. As a speed reader I learned long ago to recognize what i call “padding” and skip it. Many novels cold lose a hundred or more pages and nothing of the meaningful content. Many have so much foofarah that I toss them. I want punch in my reading, power, harsh reality, meaningful philosophy. I don’t want English country gardens and afternoon teas unless upheld by smart dialogue and the promise of very soon action to happen.

It’s tough call. Sometimes a book can appeal because the reader becomes entranced by the eloquence of the writer; but that’s only where you have a truly lyrical author.
Years ago I gave up on a supposed adventure book set in medieval Russia because every other chapter we have a description of the guy’s evening meal!
And there was John Grisham’s The Broker where we learn much about Italian culture, which would have been fine and of interest if it had been a travel book and not an apparent thriller (I was glad I encountered it on an audio book, playing when I was doing chores and not actually sitting down and reading the durn thing).